Programmable universal probe

Abstract

A programmable universal probe comprises a housing having a controllable electrical power source installed therein to provide the assemblies of the probe with a supply voltage, a controller which includes a system of accelerometer sensors, a microcontroller and a temperature sensor, an antenna assembly in the form of a ferrite transmitting antenna, and a radiated power meter, consisting of a current sensor with an amplifier. The antenna assembly is equipped with power switches and an input signal amplifier. The ferrite antenna is designed as a transceiver antenna which is capable of receiving the operating parameters of the probe in a programming mode and transmitting information to a receiver in an operating mode. The receiver and the programmable probe have a compatible data reception and transmission protocol.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A programmable universal probe for drill heads of horizontal directional rigs, the programmable universal probe comprising:
 a housing having a controllable electrical power source installed in the housing, the electrical power source serving to provide assemblies of the probe with a supply voltage; 
 a controller comprising a system of accelerometer sensors; 
 a microcontroller and a temperature sensor; 
 an antenna assembly comprising a ferrite transmitting antenna; and 
 a radiated power meter comprising a current sensor with an amplifier; 
 wherein the antenna assembly is equipped with power switches and with an input signal amplifier, wherein the ferrite antenna is designed as a transceiver antenna capable of receiving operating parameters of the probe in a programming mode and transmitting information to a receiver in an operating mode, and wherein the receiver and the programmable probe have a compatible data reception and data transmission protocol.